Maternal and Child Health Public Health Catalyst Program - Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), through its Department of Urban Public Health (DUPH), proposes the MCH Public Health Catalyst Program to expand and enhance maternal and child health (MCH) training and education within DUPH to address the existing and growing needs of Los Angeles County (LAC) more effectively. This workforce must be equipped to serve LAC, focusing on those communities facing the most significant challenges and in contexts where trust must be rebuilt and the impacts of historical, contemporary, and future crises addressed. The program will provide targeted training to public health professionals, equipping them with the necessary competencies to respond effectively to these critical needs. By introducing new graduate-level coursework and conducting a feasibility study for an MCH certificate program, the initiative aims to enhance workforce capacity, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthen community engagement. The program will achieve these goals by developing and implementing foundational MCH curriculum, recruiting and supporting a diverse cohort of graduate students, building faculty capacity in MCH competencies, and leveraging existing partnerships with community-based organizations to support curriculum development and workforce training. These efforts align with CDU’s commitment to advancing health equity through education, research, and service. The program's long-term impact will contribute to the well-being of underserved communities in Los Angeles County and support the development of a skilled and diverse MCH workforce.
